James Van Der Beek Remembered by Hollywood Following Stage 3 Cancer Battle

Hollywood is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of Dawson’s Creek, who passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Tributes have poured in from former co-stars, friends, and fellow actors, celebrating his life and legacy.

A Battle with Cancer

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning in Austin, Texas, according to his wife, Kimberly. She stated he met his final days with “courage, faith, and grace.”

Tributes from Co-Stars

Katie Holmes, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in Dawson’s Creek as Joey Potter, shared a handwritten letter on Instagram expressing her gratitude. She wrote of the “sacred” experience of sharing space with his imagination and the lasting impact he had on her. Holmes described his “bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength” and his “appreciation for life.”

Busy Philipps, another Dawson’s Creek alum, shared her grief on social media, stating Van Der Beek was “one in a billion” and would be deeply missed. She added that he was a friend she loved and was grateful for their years of friendship.

Industry-Wide Mourning

Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel featuring Van Der Beek in a posthumous role, expressed her devastation. She described him as an “extraordinary, talented man” who demonstrated “great kindness and grace.” Jennifer Garner also joined the chorus of tributes, stating he was “so loved.”

Fan Support

Following the announcement of his death, friends of the Van Der Beek family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife and six children. As of February 13, 2026, the fundraiser had raised over $1.8 million from more than 36,200 donations.

A Lasting Legacy

James Van Der Beek is best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on the 1990s hit series Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. He also appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and continued to work in television throughout his career. His passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry and a lasting impact on those who knew and admired him.